Damian Lillard’s Remarkable Recovery: A Glimmer of Hope for the Milwaukee Bucks
In a surprising turn of events, Milwaukee Bucks fans have reason to be optimistic as their star player, Damian Lillard, has been cleared of his deep vein thrombosis and is no longer on blood-thinning medication. This news, reported by sources to ESPN on Thursday, has certainly lifted the spirits of the Bucks’ faithful.
However, before you get too excited, it’s important to note that Lillard will not be suiting up for Game 1 of the Bucks’ playoff series against the Indiana Pacers this Saturday. Sources have indicated that the veteran guard will need some time to resume contact workouts and gradually ramp up for a return to the court.
What’s truly remarkable about Lillard’s recovery is the speed at which it has occurred. Doctors have informed Bucks officials that such a rapid recovery is unprecedented. This swift progress is attributed to early treatment, prompt detection, and the expertise of specialists who were involved even before a formal diagnosis was made, according to sources.
Just this past Tuesday, the Bucks announced that Lillard was making “significant improvement on his deep vein thrombosis” and that the nine-time All-Star would be increasing his on-court activity. However, they did not provide a specific timetable for his return, leaving fans eagerly awaiting further updates.
Last month, the Bucks had announced that Lillard, 34, would be sidelined indefinitely. At that time, the team revealed that Lillard had been using a blood-thinning medication to stabilize the clot. This news had left many wondering about the future of the Bucks’ playoff aspirations.
Coach Doc Rivers, earlier this month, expressed optimism about Lillard’s potential return. However, he also acknowledged the possibility that the team might have to prepare for the nine-time All-Star to miss the remainder of the season. This cautious approach underscores the importance of Lillard’s health and well-being.
Before being sidelined, Lillard was averaging 24.9 points and 7.1 assists, showcasing his invaluable contribution to the team. Despite his absence, the Bucks managed to go 10-4 in their final 14 games of the regular season, ending on an impressive eight-game winning streak. This resilience speaks volumes about the depth and determination of the team.
- Lillard’s recovery is unprecedented, thanks to early treatment and expert care.
- He will not play in Game 1 against the Indiana Pacers.
- The Bucks ended the regular season with an eight-game winning streak.
As the Bucks prepare to face the Pacers, fans are left to ponder the impact of Lillard’s eventual return. His presence on the court could be a game-changer, providing the team with the firepower they need to make a deep playoff run. Until then, the Bucks will rely on their current roster to carry the torch and keep their championship hopes alive.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Originally Written by: Shams Charania
